8.1 Availability
Influence is a way to gain money, power and position. It is, without a doubt, the most valuable commodity in the game. Influence is measured in favours. There are nine classes of favours, rated, in ascending order of effectiveness, from 1 to 9. Favours are used to modify the die rolls that represent the decisions of non-player characters. (Player characters make their own decisions and influence has no effect on them; favours to player characters take other forms.) Once used to influence a decision, a favour is expended.
Influence Table B lists the class of favour needed to obtain a die roll modification of one on the decisions of a nonplayer character of specified rank or position. A favour of a higher class than that listed will have a greater effect: one additional die roll modification for each level the favour is above the minimum necessary. For example, a class 9 favour will obtain a die roll modification of 4 on the decisions of a General.
In addition, two favours may be combined to produce one favour of the next highest level (two class 4 favours make a class 5 and so on). More than one favour may be brought to bear to influence a given decision. The die roll modification may be either additive or subtractive, depending on the player’s wishes, and more than one player may influence the same decision.
Influence may be used to seek or block appointments, aid the prosecution or the defence in embezzlement trials and for many other purposes outlined in specific rules. Events not specifically listed as being influenceable (for example, promotion) are not.
Influence may be received by virtue of a player’s Social Level (as shown on Influence Table A), from his paramour (as shown on Influence Table C) and from certain appointments (as shown on the Appointments Tables).
8.2 Paramour Influence
Paramours give their lovers one favour a year, of the class listed under the heading “Normal influence” on Influence Table C. Influential paramours additionally provide a favour of the class listed under the heading “Additionally, if Influential” on the table, once a year. Favours for Social Level and appointment are received once each season.
Players may save favours received from non-player characters indefinitely, and those received from paramours for the duration of the affair. All others may not be saved beyond the season in which they are received.
8.3 Influencing NPCs
In general, influence may be used to persuade an NPC to do any action that may be undertaken by a PC, with a roll of 7+ on a d6 required unless stated. Additional actions not explicitly mentioned in the core rules as influencable include:
- Asking a commander to volunteer for the front (6+ if own, 8+ otherwise)
- Asking NPCs to resign rank or appointment (7+)
NPCs cannot be sacked, they must be asked (then persuaded) to resign.
If you ask an NPC holding a post to resign and apply for his post in the same month, influence used in the application for the post is not used if he does not resign.
Appointment holders are influenced at the lowest rank needed to hold the post.
Influence may be used regardless of whether a character is at the front or in Paris.
8.3.1 Announcing Influencable Actions
Orders for any action which may be influenced (whether or not the character performing the action is using Influence) must be given one month in advance (with some exceptions - see below) - this is to afford other characters the chance to apply counter-influence. These will be published (in the Announcements and Appointments thread) and carried out
Once announced, an action cannot be cancelled.
Once announced, any character may use influence (favours or bribes) for or against the proposed action; this does not need to be announced.
Characters need not announce in advance:
- applying to join Regiment(s);
- asking to be excused Regimental Duties;
- persuading an Inspector-General to veto a battalion/squadron from volunteering;
- influence in a Trial or to commute a sentence (since Trials are automatically announced in advance).
8.4 Bribery
As well as favours, NPCs may be influenced by bribes. There are nine levels of bribe, corresponding to the nine levels of favour.
The cost of a bribe depends on its level - see the Bribe table.
A character may only use one bribe on a particular action, but may use a bribe in addition to any favours.